Why flight attendants are at high risk of cancer?

Female flight Attendants used to illustrate the story

Anna Jefferson
|
28 June, 2018, 20:44

The Harvard University study, described as one of the largest and most comprehensive on the subject to date, found that flight attendants had a higher prevalence of each of the seven broad cancer types examined, particularly breast cancer, melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers among females.

These included those of the breast (3.4% against 2.3%), womb (0.15% against 0.13%), cervix (1% compared to 0.7%), gastrointestines (0.47% compared to 0.27%) and thyroid (0.67% compared to 0.56%).

Among women crew members, the rates of breast (3.4 percent of flight crew vs 2.3 percent in the general population), uterine (0.15 vs 0.13), cervical (1.0 vs 0.70), gastrointestinal (0.47 vs 0.27), and thyroid (0.67 vs 0.56) cancers were only slightly elevated compared with controls, yet statistical analyses indicated that this pattern was very unlikely due to random chance. The most striking thing is that this happens even though there are small percentages of overweight and smokers in this professional group, "said Mordukovic". This news stands out partly because flight attendants avoid many other common risk factors for cancer, like smoking and obesity.

The study looked at past occurrence of cancers in flight attendants rather than their risk of developing cancer and its authors cautioned against drawing any conclusions about specific causes.

"Something that somewhat surprised us, to some extent, was that we also saw a higher instance of breast cancer in women with three or more children", Mordukhovich said, adding that flight attendants with three or more children possibly do not get enough sleep.

The cabin crew of a flight are routinely exposed to known and suspected cosmic ionizing radiation, a kind of carcinogen, which is found at an increased level at higher altitudes. In fact, it wasn't until 2014 that United States flight attendants got protections from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration like other American workers, but even today, those protections are limited, Mordukhovich said.

The authors recommend that further efforts be made in the USA to limit cancer risk among this work population such as radiation dose monitoring and the implementation of schedules that will lower exposure to radiation and prevent the disruption of circadian rhythms.

Germany crash out, Brazil throughGermany lost the opening game 0-1 to Mexico , and dramatically beat Sweden 2-1 in stoppage time for the second game. Prior to the World Cup, Jo was the least experienced of the three custodians on the national team with five caps.

The research does not answer why flight attendants report higher cancer numbers, but the authors have some ideas, based on earlier research.

The job's hectic schedule, which disrupts a person's daily sleep-wake cycle, can be linked to an increased cancer risk, studies have shown.

The authors found an association between each five-year increase in time spent working as a flight attendant and non-melanoma skin cancer among women. And the risk of melanoma rose three times for cabin crew of both sexes.

Unions for flight attendants at Southwest and American airlines identified crew fatigue as a top health issue that needs to be addressed, something the pending Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill could do with required minimum rest times.

Recommended

Virginia Police have now charged Skinner with breaking and entering with a deadly weapon with the intent to rape, rob or murder. He made his way to the girl's home in Goochland's Holland Hills and was shot in the neck by her mother when he tried to get in.

So far, Sony has not cemented a firm premiere date for Morbius , but the movie is expected to start production later this year. He first appeared in 1971's Amazing Spider-Man No. 101 - the first issue not written by Spider-Man co-creator Stan Lee.

France are already through but will want to beat Denmark on Tuesday to take top spot, although a draw would also keep them clear. A Swiss victory and Brazil draw is not out of the question, a scenario that would drop the five-time champions into second.

Jan Bednarek scored the lone goal for Poland as they end the tournament with three points and a consolation win over Japan. Japan, meanwhile, finish second and also progress to the next round despite losing their last game of the group to Poland.

Because Solana's request was rejected, he must apply to enter the USA through a visa, which is a longer and more costly process. The Spanish citizen must instead apply for a full visa - a more expensive and lengthy process.

There were also large-scale anti-government protests fuelled by Iran's economic problems in late December and early January. However, those protests largely struck Iran's provinces as opposed to Tehran itself.

The newlywed couple joined Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace to celebrate a group of young leaders from across the world. However, Good Housekeeping also says that it is not a major faux pas for a royal woman to cross her legs in public.

The teams are looking healthy entering this match, though Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina received some knocks in the last match. England and Belgium have both won their opening two games of the World Cup and can seal top spot in Group G with another victory.

Fallon says, "Hey, lowlife ". "Red Hen!" Colbert said, closing the segment and leading into the opening credits. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert tweeted Tuesday night's cold-open sketch early, and for good reason.

For example, India is a rapidly-growing motorcycle market and they have huge taxes on imported motorcycles from America. Besides Thailand, Harley-Davidson has two more assembly plants outside the United States, in Brazil and India.

Last night (June 26), as it became clear to even Ocasio-Cortez that she would win big , local cable outlet NY1 caught her shock . The victor is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a millennial who worked as an organiser for Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign.

CHOP ranks high on best children's hospitals list
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center was ranked first in cancer and gastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery. They are the only comprehensive source of quality-related information on US pediatric hospitals.

Beating England not priority for Belgium boss Martinez
There has even been some talk that England might have an easier route at the World Cup if they lose in Kaliningrad. That is the reality, we have put ourselves in this situation, we wanted to qualify and we have done that.

Double blow for Roger Federer as Wimbledon dream ends
He has also been almost unstoppable on grass with 20 straight victories. "Until then, I don't think I had one break point". Meanwhile, Marin Cilic , who won the Queen's Clubs, moved to the fifth spot after his victory over Serbian Djokovic.

India vs Ireland, 1st T20I: Everything you need to know
Siddharth Kaul was in the Indian squad for the home ODIs against Sri Lanka in December, but was not picked ahead of Kumar-Bumrah. As part of the full-strength Indian side, the three had featured in the T20 series against South Africa.

Ocasio-Cortez wants to be president, mom says
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 28, a Boston University alumna, knocked off Joe Crowley, the No. 4 House Democrat, in Tuesday's primary. But progressive commentators care less about the numbers game of the horse race and more about whether the party will move left.

Lakers "Racing" To Acquire Kawhi Leonard Before Friday
The same line of thinking goes with the Lakers, though, getting Leonard will also increase their chances of signing LeBron James. The latest ESPN story suggested that former first-round pick Josh Hart could be involved in a trade with the Spurs.

Korea Knocks out Germany in 2-0 Upset
Spain then almost doubled their lead before a spectacular header from Robin van Persie got the Dutch even. But in 2010, defending the title they had won in Germany, the Italians barely awoke from their slumber.